New Delhi6 minutes ago
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Currently Brent crude is around $ 80 per barrel, but it can go up to $ 120–150. It will also affect India.
The Iran’s Parliament has recently passed a proposal to close the Straight of Hormuz in response to the US air strikes. If the Straight of Hormuz is closed, it can affect the price of petrol and diesel in India. This is because this oil is an important way of trade.
After this news came to light, the price of crude oil has risen to close to $ 80 per barrel. India imports a large part of its oil needs. If the prices of crude oil increase for a long time, oil companies may have to increase the price of petrol and diesel.
This issue is considered in 6 questions and answers…
Question 1: What is the Straight of Hormuz and why is it so important?
answer: The Strait of Hormuz is a tight sea route, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is just 33 km wide, but 20-25% of the world’s crude oil and 25% natural gas pass through this path.
Oil tankers from countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar go worldwide through this route. This path is special for India because more than 40% of our oil comes this path. If it stops, oil supply may be interrupted.
Question 2: Why did Iran decide to close this path?
answer: Tension was already going on between Iran and Israel, on 22 June, the US launched airstrikes on three Iran’s nuclear bases- Natanj, Fordo and Isfahan. Angered by this, Iran’s Parliament passed a proposal to close the Straight of Hormuz.
However, to implement this decision, approval of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and National Security Council needs approval. Iran says that if he is further harassed, it can close this path and disrupt global oil supply.
Question 3: Will petrol and diesel become expensive in India?
answer: If this route is closed, then there will be problems in the supply of oil. Experts believe that crude oil prices may rise by 30–50%. Currently Brent crude is around $ 80 per barrel, but it can go up to $ 120–150. This can also affect India:
- Petrol and diesel expensive: Petrol and diesel prices may increase due to expensive oil. It is believed that petrol can be Rs 120 per liter or more.
- Increased inflation: Petrol and diesel will increase the cost of transport due to expensive, which will also make food and drink expensive.
Question 4: Is India completely dependent on the Straight of Hormuz for oil?
answer: No, India has diverted its oil supply to a large extent in recent years. According to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, India consumes 5.5 million barrels of oil daily, out of which only 1.5-2 million barrels come from the Straight of Hormuz. The remaining 4 million barrels come from countries such as Russia, America, West Africa and Brazil. India imported oil daily from Russia 2.16 million barrels per day in June 2025.
India from Iran has almost discontinued oil imports since 2019, as the US has imposed restrictions on Iran. But 40% oil from countries like Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait comes from this path. If the straight is closed, then oil will have to be brought from alternative routes such as Cape of Good Hope, which takes 7-13 days more and will cost an additional $ 1 million per trip.
Question 5: What is the Government of India doing to deal with this crisis?
answer: The Government of India is keeping a close watch on this issue. Hardeep Singh Puri has assured that India has several weeks of oil reserves and oil companies are supplying from many routes. He said- “We have been monitoring the situation in the Middle East for the last two weeks.
Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we have diversified oil supply, and now our large part does not come from the Straight of Hormuz. Our oil companies have several weeks of stock, and we will ensure stable supply of fuel to citizens. ”
Strategic stores: India has strategic oil reserves in Pudur (2.25 million metric tons), Visakhapatnam (1.33 million metric tons) and Mangaluru (1.5 million metric tons).
Question 6: Is it so easy to close the Straight of Hormuz?
answer: No, it is not easy to close it completely. The Strait has two-two miles of shipping lanes, and Iran will have to take a massive military action to close it, such as attacking tankers or laying mines in the sea.
Countries like the US and Saudi Arabia can immediately retaliate to keep it open. Experts say that Iran may not stop it completely, because it will also harm its friends like China. Nevertheless, partial obstruction can also increase prices.
